Menu
24/06/2019
Reported Cases Of Whooping Cough Almost Triple
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding expectant mothers to get the whooping cough vaccine after 44 cases of the disease were reported so far this year.
The figure marks a significant rise compared to last year, when just 16 cases were recorded during the first half of the year.
Of the 44 cases confirmed by 19 June, just over one fifth were in infants under six months of age, when babies are too young to be protected by their routine childhood immunisations given at two, three and four months.
Pregnant women are advised to have the vaccine for whooping cough, a disease that can cause long bouts of coughing and choking, which can make it hard to breathe, between 16 and 32 weeks of their pregnancy. It can be very serious for infants under the age of one year, and sadly even fatal in young babies. The evidence shows that babies born to vaccinated mothers are 90% less likely to get the disease than babies whose mothers were unvaccinated.
Dr Jillian Johnston, Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, said: "Whooping cough continues to circulate in Northern Ireland and every 3-4 years it is normal to see increased activity, which is what we are experiencing this year. However, babies under three months are too young to have received their routine childhood vaccinations and are at greatest risk of developing more serious disease. It is therefore really important that women receive the pertussis vaccine during every pregnancy so that their baby is protected against whooping cough in their first months of life.
"In 2018/19, 67% of expectant mothers that delivered in Northern Ireland received the pertussis vaccine. We want to encourage all pregnant women to get the vaccine and so reduce the risk of their baby catching whooping cough after he or she is born.
"The best time to get the vaccine is between 16 and 32 weeks of pregnancy, but if a woman misses out, she can still get it later in pregnancy, although the sooner she gets it the better. The vaccine is given at your GP's surgery- make sure you make an appointment to get it."
Parents should also be alert to the signs and symptoms of whooping cough. They include severe coughing fits accompanied by the characteristic 'whoop' sound in young children and a prolonged cough in older children or adults. Very young babies may not develop the 'whoop' but may have severe coughing bouts and difficulty catching their breath.
It is also advisable to keep babies away from anyone showing the signs and symptoms of whooping cough.
Further information on whooping cough and the vaccination programme can be gained from your GP or midwife or on the PHA website.
(JG/CM)
The figure marks a significant rise compared to last year, when just 16 cases were recorded during the first half of the year.
Of the 44 cases confirmed by 19 June, just over one fifth were in infants under six months of age, when babies are too young to be protected by their routine childhood immunisations given at two, three and four months.
Pregnant women are advised to have the vaccine for whooping cough, a disease that can cause long bouts of coughing and choking, which can make it hard to breathe, between 16 and 32 weeks of their pregnancy. It can be very serious for infants under the age of one year, and sadly even fatal in young babies. The evidence shows that babies born to vaccinated mothers are 90% less likely to get the disease than babies whose mothers were unvaccinated.
Dr Jillian Johnston, Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, said: "Whooping cough continues to circulate in Northern Ireland and every 3-4 years it is normal to see increased activity, which is what we are experiencing this year. However, babies under three months are too young to have received their routine childhood vaccinations and are at greatest risk of developing more serious disease. It is therefore really important that women receive the pertussis vaccine during every pregnancy so that their baby is protected against whooping cough in their first months of life.
"In 2018/19, 67% of expectant mothers that delivered in Northern Ireland received the pertussis vaccine. We want to encourage all pregnant women to get the vaccine and so reduce the risk of their baby catching whooping cough after he or she is born.
"The best time to get the vaccine is between 16 and 32 weeks of pregnancy, but if a woman misses out, she can still get it later in pregnancy, although the sooner she gets it the better. The vaccine is given at your GP's surgery- make sure you make an appointment to get it."
Parents should also be alert to the signs and symptoms of whooping cough. They include severe coughing fits accompanied by the characteristic 'whoop' sound in young children and a prolonged cough in older children or adults. Very young babies may not develop the 'whoop' but may have severe coughing bouts and difficulty catching their breath.
It is also advisable to keep babies away from anyone showing the signs and symptoms of whooping cough.
Further information on whooping cough and the vaccination programme can be gained from your GP or midwife or on the PHA website.
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 May 2024
Vaccination Call Amid Rise In Whooping Cough Cases
Pregnant women and the parents of young people have been urged to ensure their children are vaccinated against whooping cough, following a rise in cases in Northern Ireland.
Vaccination Call Amid Rise In Whooping Cough Cases
Pregnant women and the parents of young people have been urged to ensure their children are vaccinated against whooping cough, following a rise in cases in Northern Ireland.
26 June 2024
Antenatal Clinics Now Offering Whooping-Cough Vaccinations
HSC Trust antenatal clinics are now offering whooping-cough vaccinations, making it more accessible for pregnant women, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has announced.
Antenatal Clinics Now Offering Whooping-Cough Vaccinations
HSC Trust antenatal clinics are now offering whooping-cough vaccinations, making it more accessible for pregnant women, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has announced.
12 March 2024
Parents Urged To Vaccinate Children Following Whooping Cough Rise
Pregnant women and the parents of young children have been urged to book an appointment for the pertussis vaccine to help protect their children following a significant rise in cases of whooping cough.
Parents Urged To Vaccinate Children Following Whooping Cough Rise
Pregnant women and the parents of young children have been urged to book an appointment for the pertussis vaccine to help protect their children following a significant rise in cases of whooping cough.
15 November 2024
Winter Vaccines: Get Boosted To Protect Yourself
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging eligible individuals in Northern Ireland to get their annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. The agency highlights the significant benefits of vaccination in reducing severe illness and death, especially for those at high risk.
Winter Vaccines: Get Boosted To Protect Yourself
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging eligible individuals in Northern Ireland to get their annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. The agency highlights the significant benefits of vaccination in reducing severe illness and death, especially for those at high risk.
22 August 2014
Extension For Whooping Cough Vaccination
A whooping cough vaccination programme for pregnant women is to be continued for another five years, it has been announced. The recommendation from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has been welcomed by the Public Health Agency (PHA).
Extension For Whooping Cough Vaccination
A whooping cough vaccination programme for pregnant women is to be continued for another five years, it has been announced. The recommendation from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has been welcomed by the Public Health Agency (PHA).
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
